Removing two-part polyurethane paint

PuffTheMagicDragon

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I need to remove a part of the boot topping on my boat. Reasons are (1) it is coloured Orange and (2) the aft part is too high. Were it not for (2) I would simply paint over it.

It is Veneziani Gel Gloss, a two-component polyurethane paint and seems to be hard as glass.

Can anyone recommend a chemical that will safely soften it enough to allow removal with a putty knife - without attacking the gelcoat that will be exposed?

TIA.
 
Nitromors fibreglass paint remover, will attack the paint, but not the gel coat, roughly abrade the paint first, to let the nitromours penetrate and soften it. Works a treat, pressure wash it off is best, I find.
 
Nitromors fibreglass paint remover, will attack the paint, but not the gel coat, roughly abrade the paint first, to let the nitromours penetrate and soften it. Works a treat, pressure wash it off is best, I find.

Thanks for that. Tomorrow I shall see if it is available locally. Having successfully used the normal Nitromors in the past (on wooden hulls) I was being cautious about a chemical stripper that did not affect gelcoat. Once I locate the fibreglass type I shall apply it on the frequently recommended 'inconspicuous place'. I guess that this would logically be under the counter overhang.
 
If the surface of the GRP was not abraded before painting, you may find that a chisel that is not quite sharp enough for decent woodwork will take it off, leaving a gelcoat that can be restored with 2000 grit w&d followed by Farecla.
I need to try this on a dinghy which has a name painted on. Otherwise I will be looking for that nitromors.
 
If the surface of the GRP was not abraded before painting, you may find that a chisel that is not quite sharp enough for decent woodwork will take it off, leaving a gelcoat that can be restored with 2000 grit w&d followed by Farecla.
I need to try this on a dinghy which has a name painted on. Otherwise I will be looking for that nitromors.

Unfortunately that is not the case. :(

When I abraded a small section of the horrible Orange Gel Gloss I found that it had been properly applied over Aderglass primer. The original gelcoat was also, most probably, itself abraded before the primer was applied. This is why I was seeking a chemical stripper. I am hoping to be able to uncover the gelcoat without any more abrading and then being able to polish it back to a shine.
 
Good Luck,
but if the gelcoat is not restorable, International Perfection 2 pack is not that hard to use. I think I will be going that route later, but I will be practising on something else first.
 
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